Investigating potential mechanisms of vitamin D against thyroid cancer via network pharmacology and experimental...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Thyroid cancer (TC) is a prevalent endocrine malignancy globally.
• Vitamin D (VD) is increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits in TC.
• Limited understanding exists regarding VD's specific molecular targets and mechanisms in TC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular targets, biological functions, and signaling pathways of VD in TC.
• To investigate the interaction between VD and its potential targets using computational and experimental methods.
• To provide a scientific basis for VD's application in TC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Network pharmacology was employed to identify potential target genes of VD against TC.
• Molecular docking was used to assess the interaction between VD and identified hub target genes.
• In vitro experiments were conducted to validate the effects of VD on TC cell proliferation and gene expression.

Main Results:

• Network analysis identified 77 potential target genes, with ESR1, KIT, CCND1, and PGR highlighted as key hub targets.
• Molecular docking suggested possible interactions between VD and these hub targets.
• In vitro studies demonstrated that VD significantly inhibits TC cell proliferation and reduces ESR1 gene expression.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D exerts its anti-thyroid cancer effects through multiple biological targets, processes, and pathways.
• The study identified specific molecular mechanisms, including the downregulation of ESR1, by which VD impacts TC.
• These findings support the potential of VD as a therapeutic agent for thyroid cancer.